#What is a dimmer switch?
A dimmer switch is a light switch that, when hooked up, allows for the lights to be dimmed. Dimmer switches are very common in homes and small commercial environments. LED lights are even dimmable, however, there are really 2 types of distinctly different dimmers for LED lights – Triac Dimming and 1-10V dimming.
Triac dimming is just a name for a dimmer switch most homeowners commonly use – some type of slider control that dims the light as the slider is moved, 1-10V dimming is known throughout large commercial and industrial LED fixtures, and it's a special type of dimmer that requires a completely separate dimming low voltage circuit.
#Do Dimmer Switches Save Power?
The short answer is yes, dimmer switches do save you energy. But let’s discuss the history of dimmer switches and how far they have come. Old-style first-generation LED dimmer switches did not save energy because of the way they worked.
Instead of reducing the amount of energy used, they converted the extra energy into heat. So more heat, less light, and no energy savings.
Today, LED dimmer switches are much smarter, and actually reduce energy used by supplying only the energy needed that is called for. Triac Dimmers works by cutting off power to the light fixture – up to 120 times per second.
It basically turns on and off the light very quickly, undetectable to the human eye. Since LEDs are not affected by turning on and turning off, this process has no ill effects on the LEDs themselves.
A 0-10v (actually 1-10V) dimmer is different. The dimmer sends 10 different low voltage signals, 1, 2, 3… 10, and each voltage relates to a dimming step, 10% to 100%. There are only 10 dimming steps. That is why these dimmers are found in commercial and industrial fixtures where saving power by dimming is primary. Triac dimming is more about “setting a mood” by lowering the light levels.
#Why Should I Install A Dimmer for My LED Lights?
It’s one of the simplest tricks out there, but installing a dimmer is a great and easy way to minimize power consumption and cut back on energy costs. Dimming LED lights is also an aesthetic choice since it creates a lighter, welcoming light that is easier on the eyes. Dimmers are considered to be one of the most effective things in reducing the cost of electricity.
